Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto in any way, shape, or form. All characters and settings used belong to Masashi Kishimoto.

Pairings: eventual NejiTen, mentioned ShikaIno, NaruHina, SasuSaku

Lost Between Times

by insert cliche

"Neji."

The Hyuuga boy shot up abruptly, kunai in hand and ready to attack anyone who came his way. From what he saw through his round wooden window, it was still the darkest hour of night.

His clear pupils dilated, and he took in the appearance of the intruder. Her hair was pinned into two high buns, and her forehead protector shined in the moonlight.

"Tenten? What are you doing here? You know you aren't supposed to be here. If any of," here, he paused, "Hokage-sama's agents find you here, we're both-"

"I'm running away."

"What?" Neji was incredulous. "What are you talking about? Do you know what you're saying?!"

This time, Tenten was the calm one. "Yes. I can't live in this Konoha anymore. It's not the place I know. Danzo has turned everyone against each other, and the only people who benefit from anything are that bastard and his ROOT henchmen. I don't even know anybody anymore!" Her voice rose in pitch, until she suddenly broke down in tears and hurtled into his arms. A muffled voice came from Neji's chest. "Neji, I-I'm l-l-leaving."

Neji couldn't stop the emotions that tumbled from within him. He wasn't too surprised by this development-after all, Tenten loved her freedom and would never be able to bear something so important being stripped from her-but the loneliness he was already feeling without her still bubbled to the surface. He wanted to grab her and keep her with him, and even though they both knew she was going to leave, that didn't stop him from trying.

"Tenten. You know it's going to be much too hard. Just stay here, and we'll figure something out."

Stay with me, Tenten. Stay with me.

"No, Neji. You know I can't stay any longer. I'm leaving." Her voice broke for a second. "Nobody will miss me."

Neji's voice cut across her self-pitying rant. "I will."

Tenten gave him a sad, sad smile. "I know. I'll miss you too. J-just...don't forget me, okay?" She started crying again, and Neji leaned forward to brush away the tears.

"Then you can't forget me."

Tenten continued to cry as she reached for her kunai holster. She pulled out her favorite carved kunai, the one with a phoenix on the hilt and a dragon on the blade, and exchanged it for the one still in Neji's hand. "H-here. Just in case. If anything happens to me, then you'll have this to remember me by."

Neji first stared at the unfamiliar weight in his hand, then looked back into her dark brown eyes for what he knew would be one of the last times in what could be forever.

"And Neji?"

"Yes?"

Tenten paused. "I-I...I...-" She stopped abruptly and pulled him into a kiss. It was soft, passionate, and salted with her tears. It was a beautiful, heartbreakingly perfect kiss, and neither of them wanted it to end.

But it did. And when it was over, Tenten ran out of his arms and across his room to the open window. She paused as she climbed out, and told him one last thing before flinging herself into the dark.

"Goodbye."

She didn't hear his answer.

"Good luck."

Please review, because I'd love constructive criticism and feedback of any kind!